Incised with cuneiform inscription of the Sumerian period, the earliest inscription ever and the root of our modern day writing. This type of cone was made as a dedication to a temple. This example is commemorating the rebuilding of a temple by Gudea. Inscribed: 'For Ningirsu, mighty warrior of Enli, Gudea, governor of Lagash, produced everything needed and built and restored Eninnu, Ningirsu's shining Indugu-bird'. Comes with translation and dating by Professor W.G. Lambert of the Birmingham University, England. Size: 13 cm L - 5 1/8 inches Material: Terracotta Culture: Sumerian, c. 2000 B.C. Condition: Repaired, inscription intact Provenance: From the private collection of the late Mr W. Magee, Hartlepool, County Durham, UK, 1960s-1990s, thence by descent. (Accompanied by a previous catalogue information card). Ex TimeLine Auctions. The seller guarantees that this item has been legally acquired & will be legally exported, related documents seen by Catawiki. This item do not need an export licence within the EU. The seller will inform the buyer if it needs a UK export licence outside the EU Worldwide shipping by Registered Mail. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity N.B. Import duties may be incurred on orders shipped to countries outside the UK. Notice: We are not able to ship to Greece and Cyprus.